Business & Tech
Left Coast Brewery Hosts Charity Beerfest
Fifteen breweries from three counties took part in the second annual celebration.
Hundreds of people enjoyed freshly brewed beers for a good cause Saturday afternoon in San Clemente at the second annual Micro-Brew Fest hosted by .
Sponsored by San Clemente’s Chamber of Commerce, the joined forces with 15 other breweries to bring in live bands and food vendors to complement the variety of stouts and India Pale Ales on tap.
“I’m very happy with the turn out,” said Left Coast General Manager Tommy Hadjis.
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About 700 people attended the Saturday afternoon event. According to its manager, will donate $10,000 of its proceeds to the Chamber of Commerce for events that welcome home military families.
“It looks like we are going to raise $10,000 for charity,” Hadjis said Saturday.
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Left Coast Brewery’s most popular brew, the double IPA dubbed "Hop Juice,” attracted many customers with its floral aroma.
“Before you ever take your first sip, the aromatic profile lets you know what you’re in for,” said Ray Astamendi, a Left Coast brewer. “The beauty of beer is that it’s the vision of the person making it that determines the balance of of flavors, which is why we have thousands of brewers making the same beer that all tastes different. Someone’s going to like each one.”
Restaurant featured its "Pseudo IPA," which consists of three different types of hops that highlight the citrus notes found throughout the piney IPA flavors. The beer won the gold medal for single IPA at the Great American Beer Festival.
“It’s one of those styles that could be difficult to get into if you’re used to lighter beers,” said bartender Casey Hendrix. Still, “it’s one of the most popular styles on the West Coast.”
Inland Empire Brewery also featured an American strong ale. The beer, known as “Victoria,” is brewed with orange zest and orange blossom honey. The flavorful beer’s citrus notes gave way to a smooth, honey-like aftertaste.
“This event brings attention to the craft brewing movement and the fantastic local brewers we have in south Orange County and north San Diego county,” said San Clemente resident Corey Taylor, an attorney. “It’s also for a tremendous cause: for Marines in need.”
Patrons lingered over sample brews from Orange County, San Diego and Riverside counties and the sounds of classic rock anthems played by cover bands until about 5 p.m.
